Your Personal Brand
You are a big deal. And people need to know that.
Today with online marketing, sales and networking, ones personal brand can become an asset and define how an individual will engage with you. There is a direct correlation between your brand and the company brand you represent. If you start off strong, people will listen.
Within 15 seconds of meeting someone, this individual will size you up. They will decide who you are, what you do, and how well you do it. Whether it’s a meeting with a client, a lunch with a potential business partner, or a sales pitch to a new prospect, the first impression you make goes a long way in defining their perception of you.
You’ve been through Interview 101, Sales 101, and Networking 101. By now, you’re fairly confident that you‘ve perfected your skills. However, you are never to big to remind yourself of the basics. Skipping a simple step can negate the hard work you have put into your career.
Here are a few of my favorite tips. Some of these are more than obvious.
Dress appropriately. Don’t agonize over what to wear. Just find something that is appropriate to the situation. Meeting with a potential business partner? Wear something that exudes confidence, perhaps a suit. Meeting an agency to kick-off your companies next tv spot? Dress it down, something more fun. Maybe add in a spot of color to show your creative side.
Deliver eye contact and a strong handshake. This is the perfect formula to convey confidence when being introduced. This shows that you care to be there. It builds respect and show confidence adding credibility to the brand your building.
Avoid sarcasm. You will have plenty of time to insert your bad jokes as your relationship grows. Until then, keep the humor generic. If they fail to get your humor, they will focus on what they don’t get. It will distract them from message you need to deliver.
Say their name often. Not only will it keep you from forgetting it, it will add a warm personal touch. Not only will people feel more connected to you, this will increase the chance that you have their undivided attention.
Keep your professional networking sites current and use a professional portrait. I am a voyeur and I am sure they are too. It is safe to assume they will Google you, view your LinkedIn profile and test your security settings on your Facebook page. They are simply doing their homework. It is worth the time and investment to have everything polished. Best of all, you can always repurpose your portrait by mailing a framed print to your granny, giving her bragging rights.
The first impression you make is the initial steps in building your personal brand. Your brand is determined by a variety of details, many of which we covered above. The key is in managing these details. Be prepared. Dress well. Use eye contact. And pay attention to them. This will pave the way and start any new relationship off on the right foot.
